Wrench construction



Feb. 2, 1954 w. c. EAVES 2,667,801

WRENCH CONSTRUCTiON Filed March 21, 1950 2 Shee ts-Sheet l INVENTOR.

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w. c. EAVES WRENCH CONSTRUCTION Feb. 2, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 21 1950 INVENTOR. WILLIAM [Em/B 5.

Patented Feb. 2, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

accnsoi WRENCH CONSTRUCTION William: C; Eaves, Elyria, Ohio Application March 21,1950, S'erialNo. 150,887

6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to wrenches: or devices for manipulating threaded elements and. more especially to a wrench of the quick acting character having an action similar to a ratchet type for the drawing-up or loosening of nuts, bolts, Allen screws, wood screws, metal screws or the like.

An object of the invention is the provision of a wrench construction wherein the manipulating means may be rotated in either direction for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts without any modification or adjustment of. mechanism.

Another object. of the invention is the provision of a wrench arranged whereby the manipulating means may be quickly moved into and out of operative engagement whereby a ratchet action be obtained without the use of manually operable pawls or the like.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a ratchet arrangement wherein the actuating means is inclusive of' two interengaging elements which may be interengagedv simply by hand pressure of the operator oruser to provide for operative drive connection of the Wrench device in either direction of movement.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a simple yet eii'ective operating or drive unit for connection with a wrench socket whereby the socket may be rotated in either direction without the use of independent motionreversing means.

A further object of the invention resides inthe provision of a ratchet or drive unit for use with conventional wrenchsockets' wherein the unit is inclusive of two interengaging elements normally spaced by resilient means which also serves to resiliently couple a manipulating bar-to the drive unit.

A further object resides inthe provisionof a wrench device of the quick acting type in which the interengaging teeth of the clutching means are formed with ample surface areas and backing to effectively resist the forces of torque ortwist during use of the device.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an actuating device for the manipu-1a-- tion or" threaded elements which comprises few parts which may be inexpensively manufactured and wherein the parts may be quickly assembled without special tools.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the re lated elements of the structure, tovarious details of construction and to; combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economics of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of' a form of the in.- vention which may be preferred, in which:

Figure I is an elevational view illustrating a form, of my invention in conjunction with a socket member, the latter being'shown in section;

Figure 2 is a top. plan view of the construction shown in Figure 1 illustrating one form of manipulating means for they wrench;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on the line 13-3 of Figure l with. the clutch portions of the mechanism in disengaged position;

Figure 4 is a sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing the clutch portions. of the wrench mechanism in engaged position;

Figure 5 is a horizontal. sectional view taken substantially on the line 5'-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view showing another form of manipulating means for operating the wrench construction;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the manipulating means illustrated in Figure 6 Figure 8' is a sectional view illustrating 'another form of engageable clutching elements for the wrench construction;

Figure 9 is a sectional View illustrating a further form of engageable clutch elements for the wrench construction;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 3- showinga modified form of socket manipulating means;

Figure 11 is a top plan view of the construc tion shown in Figure 1%);

Figure 1 2' is an elevational view illustrating another form of manipulating: means for the wrench construction; and

Figure 13 isa top plan view of the manipulating means shown Figure 12.

While I have illustrated the forms of my invention asespecially utilizable as wrench mechanisms for manipulation of nuts, bolts and the like, it is to: be understood that I contemplate the use or my invention wherever it may be found to be applicable;

Referring to the drawings in detail and first with respect to the form of the inventionshown in Figures '1 through 5, there is illustrated a socket III] of conventional construction having a :polygonally shaped interior chamber, the one illustrated being hexagonal in shape, the walls of which are. adapted to fit the facets of a polygonally shaped nut IE or other element to be manipulated. bythe wrench.

The socket H] is formed with a Square or other with an upwardly-extending polygonally-shaped projection 25 formed with a transversely arranged bore adapted to receive a manipulating bar or handle 27. The handle member 21 is provided with a series of spaced circumferential depressions or grooves 29 for selective cooperation with a ball element 39 which is resiliently urged into engagement with the selected depression under the influence of an expansive coil spring 3!. Through the cooperation of the ball with the depressions 29 the handle is frictionally held in the desired operative position.

The element It is formed with a dental or toothed clutch configuration 33 which is inclusive of a plurality of spaced circumferential recesses forming teeth or dental projections 35. The elementE l is formed with a plurality of similarly-shaped spaced teeth 36 which are adapted for interlocking engagement with the teeth 35 to establish an operative drive connection between elements !3 and 2 3 when desired. The element 25 is formed with an integral depending thin walled sleeve 38 which is a close slidable fit with the element l8 and is formed interiorly with a peripheral groove 39. The sleeve also forms an enclosure or housing to protect the clutch mechanism from the ingress of foreign matter. The member i8 is provided with a portion it of reduced diameter forming a ledge ll beneath which is disposed a split retaining ring 52 formed of tempered wire or the like which cooperates with th groove 39 to maintain elements is and 2 in assembled relationship as shown in Figure 3. The elements l8 and 2 are telescope-d by a sliding fit but a minimum of clearance is provided so as to eliminate any binding between the elements. The elements l8 and 2 5 are normally urged into the relative position shown in Figure 3 under the expansive force of the coil spring 3!. The exterior cylindrical surface of member 2 3 is preferably knurled as indicated at it to facilitate manipulation of the wrench construction and to impart a pleasing appearance to the construction.

In the operation or use of the arrangement of my invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 5 inclusive, the socket H3 is placed in engagement with a nut i 2 and the projection I! of element is inserted in the square or other suitably shaped opening in the socket, the projection being frictlonally held in the socket by means of the spring pressed ball cooperating with the side wall of the socket. The user then exerts downward pressure with one hand resting upon the upper surface of the projection to compress the spring ti bringing the teeth 36 of element 2% into interlocking or clutched relation with the teeth formed on element i8 so as to establish a drive or operative connection whereby rotation of element 24 in either direction will be communicated to element I 8 and thence to the socket l9. With the elements 2% and [8 in drive relationship th manipulating handle 2! may be swung by means of the other hand in a desired direction to thread the nut I2 upon a bolt is or remove the same therefrom dependent upon the direction of rotation of the elements 24 and it. In order to obtain a ratchet or step-by-step action of the mechanism, the user releases downward pressure upon the element 2 after each' stroke of the manipulating handle 27. By releasing pressure upon element 24, the spring 3! operate to declutch element 24 from element 58 so that on the return stroke of the handl member 2i no movement is imparted to the socket it. Before the next stroke of handle 27 the user again presses down upon the element 2 5 to clutch elements 24 and It together for an operative stroke of the socket I 9. By repetition of this action, a one-way step-bystep or ratchet movement of the socket may be had in either direction of rotation without the use of any pawls or independent reversible mechanism as in the conventional type of ratchet wrench. It should be noted that the coil spring 3| serves dual purposes, viz. it serves to resiliently maintain the clutch elements 28 and 24 in normally disconnected or declutched position and simultaneously exerts pressure upon the ball 36 urging the latter into position to frictionally engage the manipulating handle 21. The groove 3!! in cooperation with the split ring 22 provides means for maintaining elements l8 and 2 3 in assembled relation and forms a means for limiting the movement of element 18 away from element 24.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a modified form of manipulating means for the Wrench construction. A manipulating member 50 of substantially circular disc-like configuration is provided with circumferentially spaced projections 5! forming grip portions for the member 5%. The member is provided with a depending boss 52 formed with'a rectangular recess of a size to slidably receive the projection 25 formed on element 24. The wall of the boss 52 is bored to accommodate a ball or detent 53 which is urged inwardly under the influence of the coil spring 5 8, the latter being held in place by swaging the peripheral edge portions of the opening as shown at 55. The ball 53 is adapted to extend a short distance into the opening 26 formed in the projection 25 as particularly shown in Figure 6 which frictionally retains the member 56 to the element 24. The handle member 50 is especially configurated for use in places where it would be impossible or impracticable to use the elongated bar 2?. The construction and functioning of the elements I8 and 24 are the same as hereinbefore described in connection with Figures 1 through 5 inclusive. In using the manipulating member 50, the user merely presses downwardly upon the disc-like member 50 to engage the clutch configuration of elements 24 and I8 to establish the drive connection to a wrench socket which may be attached to the projection plained.

Figure 8 illustrates a modified form of clutch element wherein the upper portion of the e ement I8 is formed of a comparatively thin wall, the upper edge portion of which is provided with spaces forming teeth 60 similar to a crown gear configuration and which are adapted for clutching engagement with teeth 6| formed interiorly on the upper element 24. This form of clutch element may be inexpensively manufactured and held out of engagement by means of a spring 3! I! in the manner hereinbefore ex- 7 in the manner described in connection. with the.-

form of the invention. shown. in Figures 1- through 5. The operation of this form is similar to that of the first describedform as downward. pressure upon element 24 operates to interengage the:

teeth 6%)- and kit for establishing a drive to a wrench socket which may be applied to the projection i? of the element Iii" in the manner hereinbefore described.

Figure 9 illustrates another form oi": clutch con-- struction. wherein. element. 24 is provided: with anguarly disposed teeth. or clutching projections to and the element it" formed with spaced an. gularly disposed teeth H adaptedfor interengagement. to establish a drive connection between the elements. The elements 21 i!" and. it are normally separated by means of. the expansive coil spring 31. The operation of this form of wrench construction. is the same as that of the other; forms of the invention wherein downward pressure exerted upon element as interengages. the teeth it and H to establish. an operating connection for rotating a socket which may be at.- tached to the projection I? formed on element l8". It is to be noted that either the bar 21 or the manipulating member 50 may be used interchangeably as manipulating means for all forms" 01' the invention.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a. modified form of. construction. The driving and driven elements designated 2 1a and Iiia are similar in construction to the elements 24. and i8 hereinbefore described but are modified in certain respects as herein pointed out. The driving element 24a isformed with an upwardly extending. boss portion a formed with a lateral opening preferably of circular configuration to receive and accommodate a manipulating bar Zia. The handle member or bar 27a is applied to the member 24a" in the manner illustrated in Figure 11. The boss 25a is also formed with a rectangularly shaped depression it. Another form of manipulating means designated 88 in Figures 12 and 13 is inclusive of a disc-like manipulating portion 3| with which is integrally formed a rectangularly shapedprojection 32. The depression '39 in member 250; is adapted to snugly receive the projection 82 on the manipulating means 89. The dimension of the depression '59 is such as to accommodate conventional extension bars or rods for driving or rotating the elements and may be of the same dimension as the rectangular openings or depressions in standard sockets. Thus the driving element 24a may be manipulated by a handle or bar Zia or the bar may be removed and the projection 82 of the manipulating means 80 or a conventional extension bar fitted into the depression 58. t is to be understood that if desired, the lateral walls of the depression 19 and the exterior walls of the projection 82 may be of any non-circular shape but of a configuration to establish an operative driving connection.

It is to be noted that the exterior wall 84 of the element lBa is a close sliding fit with the interior wall 85 of the element 24a so as to eliminate any binding tendencies between the elements. In this form of the invention shown in Figure 10 the lower extremity 85 of element 24a is initially formed to the position illustrated in dotted lines at 860.. After the ball detent a, the spring 310: and the element 18a are in assembled relation, the portion 36a may be swaged or formed inwardly to provide an abutment means to limit the relative movement of element l8a with element 24a and retain the parts in assembled relationship; It is: to be understood, however, that". the elements Mia and Isa may be retained in assem bled relationship through the use of a snap ring of the character shown in the device of Figures 3, 8 and 9 if desired. If the latter type of securing means is employed an internal groove is formed.

on the sleeve portion. of element 24a to accommodate. the snap ring.

It will be observed that the forms of the present invention provide sturdy and eiiective wrench mechanisms which are equally operative in both directions. or movement and have exceptional.

strength due to the comparatively large number of interengaging teeth on the clutch elements. Furthermore there are no pawls or similar mechanism which require independent manipulation to effect reversal of the wrench action. The user-of the wrench construction of my invention,

by simply exerting downward pressure upon the clutch elements of the operating may secure effective continuous rotation or step-h, -step operation of the wrench in either direction: without any adjustments of any kind.

It is; apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

What I. claim is:

1. In a device of the charaoter'disclosed in combination, a p ir oi. elements; each of said elements. being iori ed with a dental configuration; saidv dental configurations being adapted for interengagernent to establish an operative drive connection between the elements; one of said elements being formed with an integral sleeve portion surrounding the dental configurations; spring means disposed between sa d elements for normally and resiliently m ning the configurations in disengaged relation; means for limiting the extent of movement of of the elements away from the otb ments. being formed with a to support a wrench soc! .ently urged means carried by: said project for frictionally' securing a wrench soolzet'to th pro-.i ze-n; the other of said elements being i l 1 a projection; said second mentioned projection having an opening therethrough adapted to receive a manipulating member, said spring means adapted to frictionally retain the manipulating member in the opening in the second-mentioned projection.

2. A wrench construction, in combination; an element having a sleeve portion and a plurality of clutch teeth formed thereon; a second element having a portion extending within the sleeve and having clutch teeth formed thereon adapted for engagement with the clutch teeth on said first mentioned element; spring means disposed between said elements for normally urging the clutch teeth of said elements out of engagement; said second mentioned element having a ledge formed thereon; a split annulus cooperating with the sleeve on one element and the ledge on the other element for retaining said elements in assembled relation; one of said elements being formed for connection with a wrench socket, the other of said elements being formed with a projeotion; manipulating means adapted to engage said projection; said projection having a resiliently urged member for frictionally retaining the manipulating means to the projection.

3. A wrench construction, in combination, an

element having a sleeve portion and a plurality of clutch teeth formed thereon; a second element having a portion extending within the sleeve and having clutch teeth formed thereon adapted for engagement with the clutch teeth on said first mentioned element; a coil spring disposed between said elements for normally urging said clutch teeth of said elements out of engagement; means including a split ring cooperating with the sleeve and said other element for retaining said elements in assembled relation and for limiting the extent of separation between the clutch teeth of said elements; one of said elements being formed to support a wrench socket, the other of said elements being formed with a portion to receive a manipulating means; said manipulating means adapted to engage said portion, and a member engaged by the coil spring and associated with said portion for frictionally retaining the manipulating means thereto.

4.A wrench construction, in combination, an

element having a sleeve portion and a plurality of clutch teeth formed within the sleeve; a second element having a portion extending within the sleeve and having clutch teeth formed thereon adapted for engagement with the clutch teeth on said first mentioned element; a coil spring disposed between said elements for normally urging said clutch teeth of said elements out of engagement; said second element being formed with a peripheral ledge; means including an annularly shaped member cooperating with the sleeve on one element and the ledge on the other for retaining said elements in assembled relation and for limiting the extent of separation between the clutch teeth of said elements; one of said elements being formed for connection with a wrench socket, the other of said elements being formed with a projection; manipulating means adapted to engage said projection, and a member associated with said projection and engaged by said coil spring for frictionally retaining the manipulating means thereto.

5. A wrench construction, in combination, a pair of elements; each of said elements having a plurality of teeth forming a clutch configuration adapted for interengagement; a coil spring interposed between said elements normally urging the-clutch configurations of said elements out of engagement; means for limiting the extent of movement of one element with respect to the other; one of said elements being formed with means to support a wrench socket; the other of said elements being formed with a projection having an opening to receive a manipulating bar; a member in engagement with the coil spring and partially extending into the opening in the projection adapted to receive the manipulating bar for frictionally retaining the bar in the opening in said projection.

6. A wrench construction, in combination, a pair of elements; each of said elements having a plurality of teeth forming a clutch configuration adapted for interengagement; one of saidelements being formed with a sleeve portion surrounding the clutch configurations, a coil spring interposed between said elements normally urging the clutch configurations of said elements out of engagement; means for limiting the extent of movement of one element with respect to the other; one of said elements being formed with means to support a wrench socket; the other of said elements being formed with a projection having an opening; a manipulating member having a portion arranged to embrace said projection; and resiliently urged means carried by said projection and arranged to extend into the opening in said projection for frictionally retaining the manipulating means to said projection.

WILLIAM C. EAVES.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 613,759 Cooper Nov. 8, 1898 1,047,634 Hofimann Dec, 17, 1912 1,288,051 Kylin Dec. 17, 1918 1,299,764 Normoyle Apr. 8, 1919 1,381,889 Arnold June 14, 1921 1,395,887 Ayotte Nov. 1, 1921 1,443,413 Johnson Jan. 30, 1923 1,521,331 Sedgley Dec. 30, 1924 1,524,869 Kraft Feb. 3, 1925 2,603,325 Pickard July 15, 1952 

